Bound Volumes, Hometown History

November 28, 2024

70 YEARS AGO

Last week in New York, three youths were arrested on charges of being narcotic wholesalers for one-third of Harlem. Police estimate that the ring of three youths and their minor peddlers were realizing from $2,000 to $3,000 in profits daily. Marijuana comes from the Indian hemp plant—an inoffensive looking weed, which can be grown unnoticed in any state in the Union. The tremendous profit motive encourages get-rich-quick opportunists to trade in illicit drugs. One of the largest groups which fall prey to these dope pushers are young people from all economic strata who are experimenting with the dangers and excitements of life. It may be an acceptance of a dare, or a futile and childish attempt by a boy to prove he is a man, but the result is a tragic, bitter addiction. Crimes committed in the wake of drug addiction range from shoplifting to murder. Narcotics are always expensive and to obtain money for them, an addict will risk his life or take another’s. There are both state and federal laws covering narcotics. Some states levy more strenuous penalties than others. Officers of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics assert that this nation cannot be effectively rid of the narcotic menace until all states pass equally severe legislation.

November 1954

50 YEARS AGO

Since September, the Oneonta State Campus Security unit has helped 49 people who were locked out of their vehicles regain access. Another 150 people injured or ill were transported to the College Health Center or to the local hospitals by the department. Other duties include traffic control, conduct of fire drills, and removing hazardous conditions. Two reports of missing persons have been investigated. Thefts on campus are down over the same period last year. Officials credit this to students and faculty taking care to lock rooms and valuables. Parking issues and vandalism remain the most troublesome problems. Vandalism is treated as a crime against state property and legal action is taken. Campus security is on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The force includes 16 Peace Officers, all of whom exceed minimum state requirements for training. Timothy McCarthy, director of security, believes that SUCO is “one of the safest colleges in the system.”

November 1974

40 YEARS AGO

Television viewers who want to install a satellite dish near their Oneonta homes will have to meet a list of requirements if a proposed ordinance is passed next month by the Common Council. An ordinance proposed on November 6th would force homeowners to hide the dishes behind trees or fences, out of sight from public view. “I just think they’re unsightly,” said Oneonta Mayor James Lettis. A public hearing is scheduled for December 4th to discuss the ordinance. Another public hearing would be held should council amend the ordinance. Under the provisions of the proposed ordinance, only one dish can occupy a lot with a maximum height of 12 feet and a maximum diameter of 10 feet. They must be at least 10 feet from property lines and cannot be located in a front yard. They must service a building in the same lot and must be screened from view by trees, a fence, or plants. Dishes can be roof-mounted if the diameter is less than three feet.

November 1984

20 YEARS AGO

According to a study conducted by Les Roberts for the Center for International Disaster and Refugee Studies at Johns Hopkins University, more than 100,000 Iraqi civilians may have died since the war began in March 2003. In September, Roberts led a team that conducted 30 random interviews in 33 locations across Iraq. Official estimates put the civilian death total at 16,000.

November 2004